The American Eagle Foundation’s trained non-releasable bald eagle “Challenger” will free-fly during the presentation of the Star Spangled Banner right before Game 3 of the World Series on Friday evening (Oct. 27, 2017) between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX.

Challenger wrapped up 2015 with a momentous and impressive flight on New Years Eve at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. After a month of rest, we embarked upon another busy travel season, flying and driving all over the country with Challenger and a couple other of our Bald Eagles to educate the public and inspire them to preserve this majestic species.

Millions of race fans from around the world got a very brief glimpse of the celebrity Bald Eagle “Challenger” as he soared over Turn One at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the singing of God Bless America (Indianapolis Children’s Choir) before the start of the Indy 500’s 100th Running race on Memorial Day Weekend.

On Sunday December 13th at 8 p.m., Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry will host an exclusive Holiday Benefit Show featuring American Idol’s Clark Beckham, singer/songwriter James Rogers, and the famous free-flying Bald Eagle Challenger. VIP Tickets are selling for $125 (100% of VIP ticket proceeds support the non-profit AEF and can be claimed as a tax-deductible donation).

The partnership between the American Eagle Foundation and Field & Stream began in the summer of 2013. Through the end of 2015, the AEF has participated in the Grand Openings of 17 Field & Stream stores, accompanied by Bald Eagles Challenger, Mr. Lincoln, and Spirit.